The holidays are here! If you have not taken your family photo yet, here are my 5 top tips for getting a great shot. You can use these if you are taking the photo yourself or if you have hired a professional photographer.
1. FIND GREAT LIGHT (no flash): Photography is all about light. The chances of getting a great shot increase immensely when you find good light. My lighting don’ts include. . . don’t use camera flash and stay out of direct sunlight. The reason is because both put off a harsh light that will not look so flattering on your families faces. The camera flash will flatten the image as the light is straight on, and the direct sunlight will create a harsh contrast with white on one side of the face and dark shadow on the other. Not flattering. My lighting do’s include. . . photograph in natural light, either outdoors or by a window (that does not have direct sunlight coming in). The ideal times are mornings and late afternoons when the sun is not directly overhead. If you need to take photos in the middle of the day when the sun is high, use the shade of a building or tree to defuse the sunlight. Featured product: Bright Pattern photo Christmas card by Elli.
2. COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS: Become a stylist! Pick your clothes to play well together. Maybe you have everyone wear shades of greens and blues, or perhaps everyone is in soft muted color in a similar values. Stay away from large prints, patterns and graphic. You really want the photo to be about your families faces and not what they are wearing. Have fun with it! Featured product: Classic Gingham Christmas photo card by Elli.
3. GET UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: Don’t be afraid to get in there close and personal with your camera. The photos are about the people in them more so than the background or what shoes they are wearing. I love seeing photos of adults and kids that capture their personality and the sparkle in their eyes. Featured product: Bright Snowflakes holiday photo card by Elli.
4. KEEP THINGS CASUAL & FUN: You don’t want your photos to look overly posed as if they were taken at Sears, right? Take your photos in a natural setting, at the park or in your comfy living room where every one is sitting on the floor. Keep the energy fun and light and your photo smiles will be authentic and bright rather than cheesy and posed. Featured product: Holiday Cheer Christmas photo card by Elli.
5. PHOTOGRAPH DURING HAPPY TIME: I just finished a blogging class and the advise of the teacher on how to get great “about us” blog photos was to get plenty of sleep the night before and feel refreshed and energized. . . because a photo never lies. The same goes with family photos. Pick a time when your kid’s are at their peek, well fed and well rested. Being a mom, I know this can be tricky but if you can be a little bit flexible, you will be able to get your family’s shining faces at their best. . . the way you will always remember them. Featured product: Western Woodgrain Photo Christmas card by Elli
Now that you are ready to take that family photo, you can get some inspiration for your Christmas photo cards over at our Elli shop. Snap away! ~Lia
Photo credits: 1 & 3) Shannon Sewell 2) Boone Rodriguez 4 & 5) istockphoto.com
Lia
Lia is a daily crafter, maker, designer and DIYer. Find more of her creative inspiration at liagriffith.com.
I agree you said the ways to get great photos!!
Yay! Happy to hear.
These are some great tips! Thanks for sharing. c:
You are welcome!
These are great tips.I want to make a canvas print for a holiday gift so your suggestions will work well for that too.
great gift idea!